During humanitarian operation:

Local media played sterling role

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

Media personnel have to perform a highly responsible role when undertaking their duties and ensure professionalism and adherence to the ethics of journalism, Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

The minister was addressing provincial journalists at an awareness programme on Monday in Kegalle. The media seminar was organised by the government Information Department under the theme, “The Role of Provincial Journalists for District Development”.

Journalism ethics and standards comprise principles of ethics and of good practice as applicable to the specific challenges faced by journalists. Historically and currently, this subset of media ethics is widely known to journalists as their professional “code of ethics” or the “canons of journalism”. The basic codes and canons commonly appear in statements drafted by both professional journalism associations and individual print, broadcast, and other news organizations, the minister added.

He highly appreciated the service rendered by journalists towards national concerns and national issues. For instance, media personnel acted with great dedication during the humanitarian mission.

The minister added that various existing codes have some differences. Most share common elements including the principles of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness and public accountability as these apply to the acquisition of newsworthy information and its subsequent dissemination to the public. Like many broader ethical systems, journalism ethics include the principle of “limitation of harm.” This often involves the withholding of certain details from reports such as the names of minor children, crime victims’ names or information not materially related to particular news reports which might harm the reputation of some.

The minister noted that journalists have to undergo hardships when getting information on certain occasions as certain officials are reluctant to give information to journalists.

Moreover, journalists may not get the correct information owing to the highly competitiveness between media organisations. As a result of this journalists may not have enough time get at some specific news.

Sabaragamuwa Province Chief Minister Maheepala Herath said media personnel are the people who love the country and its people. They form the frontline of society.

They are duty-bound to bring the correct news to the society. Speaking on the investigative journalism, he said ancient kings disguised themselves as beggars and roamed the countryside to gain first-hand information about problems and the needs of their subjects.